At least nine people have died, and 45 others are missing after a boat carrying more than 300 migrants sank off the coast of Djibouti, according to the International Organisation for Migration. The vessel went down late on Tuesday near Guehere in the north of the country.
Djiboutian coastguard officials say an emergency overnight rescue operation recovered 266 survivors from the water. All those rescued are reported to be Ethiopian nationals and are receiving assistance at a migrant response centre in Obock.
Search operations are continuing, while authorities have opened a judicial investigation into the cause of the sinking. The boat was travelling along the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, one of the world’s busiest and most dangerous migration routes.
Also Read: Niger Boat Tragedy Claims 30 Lives, Dozens Rescued
The IOM has warned that more incidents could occur as the hot season begins, bringing rougher seas and stronger winds. Thousands of migrants from the Horn of Africa attempt the crossing each year in a bid to reach Gulf states, often facing significant risks along the route.
Leave feedback about this
You must be logged in to post a comment.